KITALE: Water and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa has made open his ambition to contest for Trans Nzoia’s gubernatorial seat in 2017 general elections.
Speaking to the press in Kitale Saturday ahead of 12 years commemoration of his elder brother Michael Wamalwa Kijana who was Kenya’s Vice President under NARC, Eugene said he plans to replace Governor Patrick Khaemba, promising to ensure equal service delivery across the cosmopolitan County.
His announcement has contravened wide speculation that he was eyeing the senatorial position in the coming general elections. He added that he is assured of a huge victory owed to the huge following he enjoys in the area.
“Get it from me that I will be contesting for the gubernatorial seat in 2017 and not any other seat, those saying I will vie in a different position are wrong and should stop the speculation forthwith,” he said.
The declaration by the recently appointed CS is set to frustrate ambitions by his former political ally Maurice Kakai who was trounced by Khaemba in the previous elections. Kakai came third after former Forestry minister Noah Wekesa who vied for the County Chief’s position in 2013.
Bisau and St. Antony Boys High School Principal Cosmas Nabungolo were perceived as front runners in the position in the area and have been silently sending a signal of their ambition before Eugene made his aspiration openly.
Eugene who relieved his position as New Ford Kenya Party leader to Bungoma County Governor Kenneth Lusaka promised his administration will prioritize equal sharing of resources and counter disparities witnessed in the current leadership.
“My political deal will be fair and the administration will be inclusive as I want all communities feel they fully belong to Trans Nzoia. I want to portray transparency in all development projects and service delivery and ensure all communities hear coexist in harmony,” explained Eugene.
He added that he does not want a leadership where citizens will be battling in courts to have their issues addressed by their elected leaders by embracing people-driven approach to coordinate affairs.
Current governor Khaemba has at several points been accused by county assembly members and other elected leaders in the county for imbalanced development.
